Saint Francis de Sales

Saint, Bishop

Saint Francis de Sales was a 17th-century bishop and writer known for his teachings on love and spirituality, particularly in 'Introduction to the Devout Life.'

Born
August 21, 1567
Died
January 28, 1622
Quotes
201
Rank
#724

About Saint Francis de Sales

Saint Francis de Sales — Life and Legacy

Saint Francis de Sales was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the 17th century, recognized for his profound insights into love and spirituality. His major work, 'Introduction to the Devout Life,' serves as a guide for individuals seeking to deepen their faith and cultivate a loving relationship with God. Central to his philosophy is the idea that love is the foundation of all spiritual practice. He famously stated that 'the measure of love is to love without measure,' highlighting the boundless nature of true love. This perspective reflects his belief that genuine love transcends personal gain and is essential for spiritual fulfillment. Furthermore, his emphasis on patience as a virtue reveals a deep understanding of human struggles, suggesting that enduring trials with grace leads to spiritual maturity. Saint Francis de Sales' teachings continue to resonate today, as they encourage individuals to approach relationships with compassion and understanding. His insights remind us that love, paired with patience, fosters a nurturing environment that can transform lives and communities.

Quote collection

Saint Francis de Sales quotes (page 1 of 11)

201 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Saint Francis de Sales Saint, Bishop
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"Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'"

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"Have patience with all things - but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that."

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"What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience."

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"Half an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed."

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"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to his dear hand, and he will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, he will bear you in his arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or he will give you strength to bear it."

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"Don't get upset with your imperfections. It's a great mistake because it leads nowhere - to get angry because you are angry, upset at being upset, depressed at being depressed, disappointed because you are disappointed. So don't fool yourself. Simply surrender to the Power of God's Love, which is always greater than our weakness."

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"Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry."

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"Do everything calmly and peacefully. Do as much as you can as well as you can. Strive to see God in all things without exception, and consent to His will joyously. Do everything for God, uniting yourself to him in word and deed. Walk very simply with the Cross of the Lord and be at peace with yourself."

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"Faith is like a bright ray of sun light. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God."

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"Don't sow your desires in someone else's garden; just cultivate your own as best you can; don't long to be other than what you are, but desire to be thoroughly what you are. Direct your thoughts to being very good at that and to bearing the crosses, little or great, that you will find there. Believe me, this is the most important and least understood point to the spiritual life. We all love according to what is our taste; few people like what is according to their duty or to God's liking. What is the use of building castles in Spain when we have to live in France?"

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"I have made a pact with my tongue, not to speak when my heart is disturbed."

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"God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you. Why do you worry?"

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"There are many who want me to tell them of secret ways of becoming perfect and I can only tell them that the sole secret is a hearty love of God, and the only way of attaining that love is by loving. You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; and just so you learn to love God and man by loving. Begin as a mere apprentice and the very power of love will lead you on to become a master of the art."

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"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God. If at times we are somewhat stunned by the tempest, never fear. Let us take breath, and go on afresh."

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"It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most holy, but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity, the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to overcome themselves, and are not immediately apprehensive about tripping."

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"Let us think only of spending the present day well. Then when tomorrow shall have come, it will be called today, and then we will think about it."

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"Never be hurried in anything. Do all things calmly and in a spirit of repose. Do not lose your inward peace even if everything seems to be going wrong. What is anything in life compared to peace of soul?"

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